What is your choice for the best handgun for self defense? Why???
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M3Stuart
Member
A 60 no-dash.
one eye joe
US Veteran
FOR 40 OR SO YEARS, I CARRIED A FULL SIZE COLT 1911, WITH 3 EXTENDED MAGS AND ONE IN THE TUBE, OF BLACK TALON OR GOLDEN SABER .45 ACP. NOW, IN MY OLD AGE AND REDUCED MOBILITY, I RELY ON MY 686+ AND MY 642. I CARRY THEM TOGETHER IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS, AND THE WEATHER PERMITS, OR THE 642 BY ITSELF, WITH 2 BIANCHI SPEED STRIPS. EVERYTHING IS STUFFED WITH SPEER GOLD DOT 135 GR JHP, LOW FLASH .38SPL.+P, FOR SHORT BARRELS. 24 ROUNDS SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO END THE THREAT. JAMS OR MISFIRES ARE REDUCED TO NIL, THE REVOLVERS ARE NO BRAINERS TO OPERATE UNDER EXTREME STRESS, AND THE GOLD DOTS WILL GET THE JOB DONE AT S/D DISTANCES…………….
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I'm out very rarely at night and very seldom in a city. My daily carry is a 40 year old Model 60 with 158gr LSWC HP +P.
For woods carry it is a Model 625 MG 45 Colt.
The couple of times we had a nut ball loose in the neighborhood it was a Remington 870 12ga.
Although with all the craziness happening around I'm wondering if I should start carrying a BHP or 1911.
For woods carry it is a Model 625 MG 45 Colt.
The couple of times we had a nut ball loose in the neighborhood it was a Remington 870 12ga.
Although with all the craziness happening around I'm wondering if I should start carrying a BHP or 1911.
Protected One
Member
Of the two, I would suggest the BHP because the 1911 gives you nothing that the Model 60 doesn't already provide. The BHP gives you lots more rounds.
Brian41
Member
Being retired and mainly in safe areas I feel protected enough with my S&W Model 37 plus one speed loader. Now if I'm going to the big city I may add a 1911 and two extra magazines. Either a Ruger Commander size 1911 or a Kimber Ultra CDP.
I know my ten rounds and the 38 isn't so much fire power but my expectation is simply self protection from a mugger type or attempted car jacker maybe and should be enough. I'm no LEO and won't be going out to look for trouble.
I started with revolvers and added 1911s later. I'm most comfortable with them which is why I carry them. I just have never been able to warm up to other types of handguns much and probably too old and set in my ways to change now.
I know my ten rounds and the 38 isn't so much fire power but my expectation is simply self protection from a mugger type or attempted car jacker maybe and should be enough. I'm no LEO and won't be going out to look for trouble.
I started with revolvers and added 1911s later. I'm most comfortable with them which is why I carry them. I just have never been able to warm up to other types of handguns much and probably too old and set in my ways to change now.
tomtheturner
Member
I have also rethought my daily carry recently. In the past I normally carried a K, or L frame 3" barrel. When I went someplace at night, or to a less desirable area I carried a 3". or 4" 1911.
Now when I leave home I carry a Glock 19 for its capacity, weight, and ease of being able to carry IWB. When I go to the Doctor I only carry a J frame in my pocket.
Times have changed. There are a lot of bad boys out there in the City. One needs to be prepared.
Now when I leave home I carry a Glock 19 for its capacity, weight, and ease of being able to carry IWB. When I go to the Doctor I only carry a J frame in my pocket.
Times have changed. There are a lot of bad boys out there in the City. One needs to be prepared.
Not a policeman and don't think I need 198-rounds in a pistol. For me, it's always been hard to beat a Commander or LW Officer's ACP, but they are a little heavy - compared to a 340PD. 
I'd like to try one of the S&W 1911ES types that combine the LW Officer's-length frame and Commander-length slide. Might be a nice match-up, but I have yet to get to that. It might be a project for 2015...
I'd like to try one of the S&W 1911ES types that combine the LW Officer's-length frame and Commander-length slide. Might be a nice match-up, but I have yet to get to that. It might be a project for 2015...
Frizzman
US Veteran
I guess that the most versatile pistol I have that can handle most defensive needs is my Gen 4 Glock 23. I have 9mm and .357 Sig barrels for it and plenty of magazines in .40 and 9mm...It will operate with 19/23/17/22 magazines as well as the 30+ round mags. It has night sights, a weapon light can go on it and a laser if desired. Parts are readily available and its easy to replace parts on it...It is large enough that I can shoot it competently but compact enough to be a realistic concealed carry pistol. I have an array of holsters for it as well as a MIC "holster" and a Clip Draw for it when minimal carry bulk is desired...It's the one gun that can handle most anything a handgun could be needed for...It's ugly, utilitarian and has no aesthetic appeal to me but it's a useful tool.
johnnyflake
Member
If I knew I was going to be in a gun fight and was limited to only one handgun, it would be my CZ P09 in 9mm 19+1 with Buffalo Bore Subsonic (1000fps) 147gr FMJFP Ammo. It's extremely accurate, hits hard and goes in deep!
BearBio
Member
Is this a "Redhead versus Blonde" question? Define the circumstances!
In my neck of the woods (Woods walking)=My custom Ruger 454 Casull. Where there are feral dogs: a good, double stack 9mm=maybe a Hi-Power.
Where I can (legally) conceal carry: My Commander in 38 Super. Where I cannot legally carry (shhhhh): A j-frame 38.
Combat conditions: Colt 1911 in 45 acp.
Duty carry: Likely a Glock or my S & W in 40 s & w.
In my neck of the woods (Woods walking)=My custom Ruger 454 Casull. Where there are feral dogs: a good, double stack 9mm=maybe a Hi-Power.
Where I can (legally) conceal carry: My Commander in 38 Super. Where I cannot legally carry (shhhhh): A j-frame 38.
Combat conditions: Colt 1911 in 45 acp.
Duty carry: Likely a Glock or my S & W in 40 s & w.
This is probably heresy, but on the infrequent days when I carry, I reach past my SIG P220, my Centennial, and my Kahr K40 and grab my old Beretta 71 and a couple of spare mags loaded with RWS HV ammo.
Dunno why. I just do.
Dunno why. I just do.
Very comfortable with Sig Sauer P228, so that would be my choice. Can't imagine the number of rounds and scenarios I've been through with it. In a stress situation, I would want the one that I'm the most comfortable with. That being said, my first duty weapon was a S/W 4" 686. Couldn't got wrong with that either IMO.
Ulrta RCP ll by Kimber. Packs a wallop; functions flawlessly; 8 rounds with one in the pipe before reload; conceals well; with no front or rear sight draws clean; stays on a 10" paper plate out to 25 yards.
coastdog
Member
Sig 2 for 1
I have been trimming down my collection of firearms of late and have given some consideration to what I will keep to satisfy certain requirements. My choice for home defense/battle gun was a Sig 2022 with a .40 S&W barrel and a .357 Sig barrel. The .357 Sig is hard hitting and remarkably accurate and the .40 S&W is not quite as accurate but shoots relatively available ammunition. This one pistol gives me options and is a 2 for 1.
I have been trimming down my collection of firearms of late and have given some consideration to what I will keep to satisfy certain requirements. My choice for home defense/battle gun was a Sig 2022 with a .40 S&W barrel and a .357 Sig barrel. The .357 Sig is hard hitting and remarkably accurate and the .40 S&W is not quite as accurate but shoots relatively available ammunition. This one pistol gives me options and is a 2 for 1.
For me.. it's my EDC..
Kimber Ultra Raptor II.. Shown here dressed for pictures..
EDC.. with Crimson Trace grips. I shoot it well, feels comforting, both in my hand and on my belt, with extra mag. in a carrier,
Kimber Ultra Raptor II.. Shown here dressed for pictures..
EDC.. with Crimson Trace grips. I shoot it well, feels comforting, both in my hand and on my belt, with extra mag. in a carrier,
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As lots of others have said,git depends. My EDC is my 442 and I dont feel undergunned carrying it. I carry a 5" 629 or Redhawk in the woods. If I'm going somewhwer I expect trouble, I don't go. If I have to, there will be an AK and 870 in the car with me, along with my 1911, my .44, and of course my 442.
Does that help?
Does that help?
legelegel
Member
My choice for now is the Smith & Wesson Model 915 with 1 in the chamber and 17 in a flush Mec-Gar magazine (MGSW5917N).
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silentflyer
Member
4" Model 19 with 158 grain JSP. Because What I point it at gets a hole in it.
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